BMcC9 wrote: »

jugar wrote: »

kx7003 wrote: »

If you fast for a day and have limited calories and then compensate the next day by increasing your calories what happens to your body? Will it be a cleanse for your metabolism or will it cause you to gain weight on the second day when you eat an increased number of calories?

This is always an interesting question, as is its opposite - what happens if you allow a "free day"? I think a fasting or semi-fasting day can be really good for your system even if your weight might make a dip down and come back up a bit. If you eat too little for a longer time it can slow everything down, but an occasional fasting day or half day can be good. And the free day can also be a good shake up as long as you're really strict on the other 6 days of the week - it all depends a lot on what feels good and works for you. If you make up for a fasting day by seriously overeating the next day, that can create a pattern that might not be helpful. I know that some people in the team use intermittent fasting, and I hope they join in and tell us more.

Very true. You want the lifestyle pattern(s) you develop and practice to be positive and sustainable, with enough flexibility to allow for contingency planning. Not cycling between starving and binging. Going over need not mean "going over-BOARD on the serious overeating scale"

In the other challenge I am in, the goal is Accountability / Reporting (weight is not reported ... we have everyone from long-way-to-go to long-time-maintenance).

We don't call them "free / cheat days". What we have is a way to "own your choices" with a target objective of meeting " minimum of 20 minutes intentional activity / inside calorie limits (can include some or all of exercise calories eaten back if you define it that way) / log EVERYTHING that has calories" 90% of the time. That means that not more than 3 times in a month, you take a "Pass" by answering "no" on 1 or more of the goals on that particular day (3 x no on the same day still only counts as a single "pass day").

This allows for Life happening .... like @micki48's lunch for a special birthday outing ... while also training you to look JUST at TODAY. This helps with learning that what happened yesterday need not have a bearing on today's choices.

Ideally these would be "intentional passes" (preplanned special occasions, or know-its-coming situations like extended travel days) Unintentional pass days can happen too. You were too sick to exercise. You didn't find out until bedtime when you finished updating your log that the little nibble you had was more calorific than expected and there's no time to make it up via exercise.

If you use 4 (or 5 or even 15) pass days, you are still encouraged to keep reporting daily. The following month, try to use fewer pass days. This is how you eventually learn to keep one not-the-best-day from turning into a week or month off-track before returning to what you KNOW will get you there in the end.

micki48 wrote: »

Today I’m proud of myself because I have stuck with this journey to a healthier lifestyle. I haven’t let bad days or bad choices derail me for long. I’m proud of all I am still learning about healthy eating, even in my fifth decade. I’m proud that I am down 17 pounds and have lost 25 inches all over so far. I will get myself to a healthy weight and lifestyle.

jugar wrote: »

This is one of the most beautiful evenings of posts in a while - lots of different people, news, encouragements, reflections, and examples.

@Connie7355 - terrific loss! you are one of the quiet successes on this team. If there is anything we can do to support you and to learn from you, let us know!
@Andreabroadley - it is so interesting to see the results of your consultation with the nutritionist. As you say, a lot is plain and somewhat obvious, but really sticking with it and making small changes in your daily intake can have a long-term impact. Looking forward to hearing how it goes! And well done on water increase...
@karenesg - I just love it when you come through with your positive spirit and support! MORE!!! And how are YOU doing?
@jlbtnc - thanks for letting us know more about your motivation and progress. It has been so helpful to see how it has changed. Keep up the great work!
@kx7003 - that was some impressive loss this week. I know how weigh-in day can almost be permission to go a bit wild afterwards, though. What really worked for me was 6 days strictly to plan, and then 1 day of absolutely anything I wanted. If I had a craving on the other 6 days, I knew it would be okay on the free day. For me, that really worked, but there was only ONE free day. That has kept me on track for 7 years. And the free days have become less and less insane!
@leni1us - you are the steadiest of the steady. Another great example! Are there tips and struggles you want to share? Go for it! But thanks for just being there taking the steps and sticking with the plan.

We are having some discussions among the moderators these days on what really works to help everyone no matter where you are. There have been a lot of challenges and other "events". What has worked or not worked for you? Any suggestions for keeping it real and relevant for all the team members?

micki48 wrote: »

Today I’m proud of myself because I have stuck with this journey to a healthier lifestyle. I haven’t let bad days or bad choices derail me for long. I’m proud of all I am still learning about healthy eating, even in my fifth decade. I’m proud that I am down 17 pounds and have lost 25 inches all over so far. I will get myself to a healthy weight and lifestyle.

allieelliott17 wrote: »

What is PW?
Is it the last week's weigh or the start weight?